華盛頓州立大學(xué)

Wildlife ecologists research and implement scientifically sound strategies for the conservation, protection, and sustainable management of wild animals and their habitat.

The wildlife ecology and conservation sciences major combines strong science, a broad background in natural resources and the environment, and in-depth, hands-on courses to help you fully understand the ecology, habitat, and conservation of wild animals, and prepare you for graduate school and management careers.

The program also offers a pre-veterinary track designed specifically to prepare students for admission to schools of veterinary medicine.

Strengths of the program

Get hands-on experience with wildlife and conservation in the University's labs and research centers.

The Bear Research, Education, and Conservation Program
The Wild Ungulate and Small Mammal Research Facility
The Large Carnivore Conservation Lab
The Endangered Species Laboratory
The Conservation Genetics and Environmental DNA Laboratory
Geographic Information Systems labs

Work closely with professors who are nationally recognized experts in:

Large carnivore management and conservation
Behavioral ecology, reproduction, and nutrition of wildlife
Habitat restoration and conservation of endangered species
Forest, grassland, and wetland habitat management
Landscape and conservation genetics

Benefit from an integrated curriculum that allows you to learn about wildlife from all angles
An optional pre-veterinary track prepares you for study in professional veterinary medicine programs—including the WSU College of Veterinary Medicine D.V.M. program.

Core courses & program information

As a wildlife ecology and conservation sciences major, you will take core courses in:

Wildlife ecology
Field and laboratory methods in wildlife ecology
Conservation biology
Wildlife nutrition
Wildlife habitats
Wildlife genetics
Environmental and natural resources sociology and policy
Plants and ecosystems
Biology of mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, and fish

If you choose the directed studies option, you will work with your faculty advisor to select 5-7 advanced electives and build expertise in virtually any aspect of wildlife ecology or other environmental topics that interest you.

Pre-veterinary option

A major in wildlife ecology gives you the strong science foundation you need and opens unique opportunities for you.

Wildlife ecology courses like these (and many more) can help prepare you for veterinary study:

Wildlife Management
Natural Resource Ecology
Conservation Biology
Restoration Ecology
Wildlife Nutrition
Advanced Wildlife Management
Population Ecology and Conservation
Biology and Management of Fishes
Ornithology
Mammalogy
Biology of Amphibians and Reptiles

Suggested preparation for incoming students
Students who become wildlife ecology and conservation science majors often enjoy:

Science, especially biology/life science
Hands-on learning
Working with animals and working outdoors
Applying analytical techniques to solving practical problems
Making a difference in the real world

Careers

Here are just a few of the jobs and career opportunities open to graduates in wildlife ecology and conservation sciences:

Wildlife biologist, manager, or researcher
Fishery biologist, manager, or researcher
Conservation biologist/Endangered species specialist
Wildlife refuge manager
Wildlife officer/game warden
Veterinarian
Zookeeper
Natural resources manager
Environmental consultant
Environmental educator